The Other Magic

The Other Magic is a 2019 epic fantasy novel by American author Derrick Smythe. It is the first installment in the planned five-book Passage to Dawn series, a multi-protagonist high fantasy saga centered on political conflict, religious authority, and competing magical traditions. The novel introduces a large ensemble cast and establishes the central narrative threads that continue in subsequent volumes.^[1]

The book received several independent literary awards and recognitions and was adapted into an audiobook narrated by Greg Patmore and published by Podium Audio.^[2]

The Other Magic was published in 2019 by Dorean Press as Smythe's debut novel in the Passage to Dawn series.^[3] The novel combines multiple point-of-view storylines typical of epic fantasy, featuring interwoven character arcs across a secondary world shaped by religion, prophecy, and warfare.

The broader series includes:

• The Other Magic (Book 1) — ISBN-13: 9781734095319
• The Other Way (Book 2) — ISBN-13: 9781734095357
• The Other Battle (Book 3) — ISBN-13: 9798989368822
• The Other Truth (Book 4) — forthcoming
• The Other War (Book 5) — forthcoming

Companion prequel works set in the same fictional universe include:

• To Earn the Sash — ISBN-13: 9781734095333
• To Wield a Plague — ISBN-13: 9781734095371

The novel takes place in a world where magic is controlled by a powerful religious hierarchy that persecutes unsanctioned practitioners. The story follows several protagonists whose narratives gradually intersect amid growing political tensions and prophetic expectations.

One storyline follows Kibure, an escaped slave whose mysterious magical abilities place him at odds with imperial authorities. Another centers on Sindri, a former priestess navigating moral conflict after leaving the empire's religious structure. Parallel to these events, Prince Aynward Dowe travels abroad to study, becoming entangled in political intrigue and academic investigations into unusual magical phenomena.

As imperial forces expand their influence and prophecy shapes political decisions, the characters confront themes of destiny, loyalty, and personal agency.

The fictional world of Passage to Dawn features competing kingdoms, religious institutions, and magical traditions. A dominant religious order regulates magic and drives imperial expansion, while independent scholars and mages explore alternative magical systems. Reviewers have noted the novel's extensive worldbuilding and layered mythology as defining characteristics.^[4]

Prince Aynward Dowe is a central viewpoint character whose storyline follows his transition from sheltered royal heir to military and political leader. Initially sent abroad to avoid court controversy, Aynward becomes involved in escalating conflicts between kingdoms and must reconcile personal ideals with pragmatic leadership. Reviewers have highlighted his character arc as a coming-of-age narrative shaped by responsibility and ethical compromise.^[5]

Princess Dagmara serves as a foil to her brother, representing devotion to religious tradition and political stability. Her storyline examines loyalty, faith, and the personal cost of political duty. Critics have noted that her internal conflicts reflect the series’ broader exploration of institutional religion and individual agency.^[6]

Sindri, a former priestess who loses her status within the religious hierarchy, navigates themes of exile and self-definition. Her narrative explores questions of belief and identity after institutional betrayal. Reviewers have described her arc as one of the series’ primary emotional anchors, balancing philosophical inquiry with personal struggle.^[7]

Kibure is an escaped slave whose latent magical abilities challenge established religious doctrine. His journey introduces readers to marginalized perspectives within the world’s social hierarchy and drives key conflicts related to prophecy and authority. Commentary has noted that Kibure’s storyline blends traditional fantasy “chosen one” elements with themes of autonomy and trauma.^[8]

Grobennar, a high-ranking priest within the Lugienese Empire, serves as a principal antagonist whose rise through religious ranks illustrates the political dynamics of the theocratic regime. His origin story is expanded in the prequel novella To Earn the Sash. Reviewers have noted the character’s complexity, portraying ambition intertwined with ideological conviction rather than simple villainy.^[9]

A rival cleric and political operator, Fatu Mazi Grobennar embodies internal factionalism within the empire’s priesthood. His schemes highlight the intersection of religious authority and political maneuvering that drives much of the series’ conflict.

Kyllean Don Votro is a martial character whose storyline introduces aerial combat traditions and military training culture. Through his experiences, the narrative expands into broader geopolitical tensions and the realities of warfare beyond royal courts.

Drailock is an enigmatic wizard mentor whose ambiguous loyalties reflect the series’ recurring motif of uncertain guidance and competing interpretations of prophecy.

Dwapek, a halfling wizard and scholar featured prominently in the companion novella To Wield a Plague, provides historical context and expands the intellectual dimension of the world-building. His storyline examines academic curiosity and ethical responsibility in the study of magic.

Jaween is a spirit bound within an artifact whose influence shapes events across multiple storylines. The character’s presence introduces metaphysical themes related to memory, legacy, and unseen manipulation behind historical events.

Critics have highlighted the novel’s multi-perspective storytelling and emphasis on long-form worldbuilding.^[10] Themes commonly identified include:

• Religious authority versus individual agency
• Prophecy and political legitimacy
• Identity and moral responsibility
• The ethical use of magical power

Independent reviewers generally praised the novel’s expansive scope and complex characterization.

Indies Today described the book as a detailed epic fantasy narrative with multiple viewpoints and intricate plotting.^[11]

A Readers’ Favorite editorial review highlighted the layered mythology and unpredictability of the story.^[12]

Other reviewers noted the dense worldbuilding and slower pacing typical of epic fantasy narratives while praising the immersive setting and ensemble cast.^[10][4]

• Pinnacle Book Achievement Award — Winner (2020)^[13]
• Global Book Award — Winner (2020)
• Global Ebook Award — Runner-up (2020)^[14]
• Independent Publisher Book Award — Runner-up (2020)^[15]
• National Indie Excellence Award — Finalist (2020)^[16]
• Indies Today Award — Finalist (2020)^[17]
• Wishing Shelf Book Award — Finalist (2020)
• Kindle Book Award — Semi-finalist (2020)^[18]
• Reader’s Favorite — Honorable Mention (2020)
• Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award — Finalist (2019)^[1]
• B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree^[19]

An audiobook edition narrated by Greg Patmore was released by Podium Audio, expanding the novel’s audience within digital audio formats.^[2]

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